Report: Matt Leinart in danger of losing job (1 Viewer)

[kutta]

All this speculation on who they may pick up is fun but you guys have to come back to reality. They aren't going to add another QB a couple weeks before the season, it's the NFL not fantasy football. They will roll with the garbage they have and be terrible this season.

Exactly right. They have committed to Leinart to start the season, Anderson if they need to make a change. You don't trade for someone else's career backup two weeks before the start of the season, with no exposure to the system or the WRs, hoping to make him your savior. C'mon people, that's just nonsense.Leinart played one quarter. It seems to me if the coaches were fretting about all this they would have kept him in longer and given him more work. Yes, Leinart threw a bunch of short passes, but he was without both Fitz and Doucet who didn't play. He was 4 of 6 on the passes he did throw. People are talking in this thread as though he was 4-20, not 4-6.I'm not a Leinart fan, but jeez, some of you are bashing when there's nothing even there to talk about. One quarter, 4 of 6, two starting WRs out. Big deal.

People are really overreacting here. He had three series in the game and completed 4 of the 6 throws he made. Tim Hightower was going backwards on his runs and they had 2 third and longs. On the third and short Leinart took a shot down the sideline and even Jaworski mentioned that the WR (who wasn't even looking for the ball) should have broken off the route.This team needs to give the ball to Beanie Wells, get into some shorter down and distances, and let Leinart complete the short stuff. They'll have much more success with that philosophy, and I expect to see that during the regular season.

I agree that they are not going to pick anyone else up. The Cards are going to battle with the guys on their roster.I disagree that there is nothing to talk about with Leinart. Some of you forget that some of us have been watching Leinart since day one. Not just looking at stats, but actually watching him play. And he is not very good. This entire state is looking for him to take the reigns for this team and become the leader and he just hasn't. It goes deeper than just saying "well he completed 4 of 6 passes." The guy needs to show some leadership skills on the field and he just doesn't.We'll see when the season starts, but again, I am putting in writing here that Leinart will either not start the season or will be pulled after four games.

 

[ericttspikes]

All this speculation on who they may pick up is fun but you guys have to come back to reality. They aren't going to add another QB a couple weeks before the season, it's the NFL not fantasy football. They will roll with the garbage they have and be terrible this season.

Exactly right. They have committed to Leinart to start the season, Anderson if they need to make a change. You don't trade for someone else's career backup two weeks before the start of the season, with no exposure to the system or the WRs, hoping to make him your savior. C'mon people, that's just nonsense.Leinart played one quarter. It seems to me if the coaches were fretting about all this they would have kept him in longer and given him more work. Yes, Leinart threw a bunch of short passes, but he was without both Fitz and Doucet who didn't play. He was 4 of 6 on the passes he did throw. People are talking in this thread as though he was 4-20, not 4-6.I'm not a Leinart fan, but jeez, some of you are bashing when there's nothing even there to talk about. One quarter, 4 of 6, two starting WRs out. Big deal.

People are really overreacting here. He had three series in the game and completed 4 of the 6 throws he made. Tim Hightower was going backwards on his runs and they had 2 third and longs. On the third and short Leinart took a shot down the sideline and even Jaworski mentioned that the WR (who wasn't even looking for the ball) should have broken off the route.This team needs to give the ball to Beanie Wells, get into some shorter down and distances, and let Leinart complete the short stuff. They'll have much more success with that philosophy, and I expect to see that during the regular season.

I agree that they are not going to pick anyone else up. The Cards are going to battle with the guys on their roster.I disagree that there is nothing to talk about with Leinart. Some of you forget that some of us have been watching Leinart since day one. Not just looking at stats, but actually watching him play. And he is not very good. This entire state is looking for him to take the reigns for this team and become the leader and he just hasn't. It goes deeper than just saying "well he completed 4 of 6 passes." The guy needs to show some leadership skills on the field and he just doesn't.We'll see when the season starts, but again, I am putting in writing here that Leinart will either not start the season or will be pulled after four games.

That may be, but after seeing Anderson play they better get on the horn for a QB. Anderson looks AWFUL. The guy has no touch. He was throwing behind, over and short. If that's all they got behind him, Leinart's leash might be longer. Max Hall looked better than Anderson. At least he had some touch and some accuracy.

 

[Abrantes]

People are talking in this thread as though he was 4-20, not 4-6.

Nah, he probably waited 'til after the game for that.

 

[Banger]

All this speculation on who they may pick up is fun but you guys have to come back to reality. They aren't going to add another QB a couple weeks before the season, it's the NFL not fantasy football. They will roll with the garbage they have and be terrible this season.

Exactly right. They have committed to Leinart to start the season, Anderson if they need to make a change. You don't trade for someone else's career backup two weeks before the start of the season, with no exposure to the system or the WRs, hoping to make him your savior. C'mon people, that's just nonsense.Leinart played one quarter. It seems to me if the coaches were fretting about all this they would have kept him in longer and given him more work. Yes, Leinart threw a bunch of short passes, but he was without both Fitz and Doucet who didn't play. He was 4 of 6 on the passes he did throw. People are talking in this thread as though he was 4-20, not 4-6.I'm not a Leinart fan, but jeez, some of you are bashing when there's nothing even there to talk about. One quarter, 4 of 6, two starting WRs out. Big deal.

People are really overreacting here. He had three series in the game and completed 4 of the 6 throws he made. Tim Hightower was going backwards on his runs and they had 2 third and longs. On the third and short Leinart took a shot down the sideline and even Jaworski mentioned that the WR (who wasn't even looking for the ball) should have broken off the route.This team needs to give the ball to Beanie Wells, get into some shorter down and distances, and let Leinart complete the short stuff. They'll have much more success with that philosophy, and I expect to see that during the regular season.

The way I see it playing out is that teams are going to blitz Leinart early and often until he proves he can burn them (which I don't think he'll be able to do consistently). They are going to dare him and keep guys in the box to stuff the run until he can stretch the field and make the defense respect him. He's basically a rookie and teams will treat him like one until he proves otherwise. If he can only hit the short stuff like he did last night and not pick up a first down it doesn't matter if he was 0-20 or 20-20, a 3 and out is a 3 and out which is a win for the defense. I was thinking of going after Wells this year but I think they are going to have a real tough time running the ball and I don't think the defense is going to be any good to keep the games close. Also, Hightower's demise is vastly exaggerated...he's going to stick around and get catches and good bit of runs (he's still running with the 1's/not Beanie).

 

[road warrior]

Glad to see overreaction Tuesday is alive and well.

 

[sho nuff]

On the third and short Leinart took a shot down the sideline and even Jaworski mentioned that the WR (who wasn't even looking for the ball) should have broken off the route.

Guy was not looking for sure...but Jaws speculated and just blamed it on the WR...he doesn't know for sure what was supposed to happen on that, and the throw was piss poor too.

 

[Abraham]

Glad to see overreaction Tuesday is alive and well.

How else would we set up "Irrational Trade Wednesday" and "Undrafted Free Agent who is going to make the pro bowl Thursday?"

 

[H8fulHuck]

Leinart and Anderson both stink, and Whisenhunt knows it. They have to look outside the organization for help.

I think they should sign Jeff Garcia. He's 40, but he's better than anything they have and he wants to play (he recently signed with a UFL team). Then after the season go after a free agent QB and draft a youngster.

You can't waste this season, too many players are in their primes.

Maybe they turn to their friends in Pittsburgh and see if they can pry one of their two aged vets (Leftwich or Batch). Or maybe they make a play for Dixon. When Roethlisberger comes back from the suspension, there is no way they keep 4 qb's is there?

The Steelers are desperate for O-line help on the right side. AZ is worthless without a QB.

 

[Debeucci]

I don't know why people are so hard on kitna. I like the guy. Yeah he's had some up and down years, but look at the crap hands he's been dealt. With that good Oline in Az, he'd be perfect, and he's still got a good arm.

 

[Grahamburn]

The way I see it playing out is that teams are going to blitz Leinart early and often until he proves he can burn them (which I don't think he'll be able to do consistently). They are going to dare him and keep guys in the box to stuff the run until he can stretch the field and make the defense respect him. He's basically a rookie and teams will treat him like one until he proves otherwise. If he can only hit the short stuff like he did last night and not pick up a first down it doesn't matter if he was 0-20 or 20-20, a 3 and out is a 3 and out which is a win for the defense. I was thinking of going after Wells this year but I think they are going to have a real tough time running the ball and I don't think the defense is going to be any good to keep the games close. Also, Hightower's demise is vastly exaggerated...he's going to stick around and get catches and good bit of runs (he's still running with the 1's/not Beanie).

Larry Fitzgerald didn't play last night. Neither did Early Doucet. The Titans were bringing pressure and Leinart still managed to complete the short stuff. They were short of a first down by less than a yard on two of their series. I'm not sure what else people wanted to see when he only got to play three possessions without two of his top wideouts.If defenses want to blitz and keep 8 men in the box leaving Larry Fitzgerald in one on one coverage they're going to be in trouble. It seemed obvious to me during the end of 2009, and so far in the preseason this year that Beanie Wells is head and shoulders better than Tim Hightower. Wells is more explosive, shiftier, more powerful, has better burst, and has more long speed. Hightower should be nothing more than a 3rd down back with Wells on this team, and if the Cardinals want to start producing on offense they'll be using Wells sooner rather than later.I believe that the Cardinals will be a run first offense while relegating Leinart to game manager status when the regular season starts.

 

[Card Trader]

The way I see it playing out is that teams are going to blitz Leinart early and often until he proves he can burn them (which I don't think he'll be able to do consistently). They are going to dare him and keep guys in the box to stuff the run until he can stretch the field and make the defense respect him. He's basically a rookie and teams will treat him like one until he proves otherwise. If he can only hit the short stuff like he did last night and not pick up a first down it doesn't matter if he was 0-20 or 20-20, a 3 and out is a 3 and out which is a win for the defense. I was thinking of going after Wells this year but I think they are going to have a real tough time running the ball and I don't think the defense is going to be any good to keep the games close. Also, Hightower's demise is vastly exaggerated...he's going to stick around and get catches and good bit of runs (he's still running with the 1's/not Beanie).

Larry Fitzgerald didn't play last night. Neither did Early Doucet. The Titans were bringing pressure and Leinart still managed to complete the short stuff. They were short of a first down by less than a yard on two of their series. I'm not sure what else people wanted to see when he only got to play three possessions without two of his top wideouts.If defenses want to blitz and keep 8 men in the box leaving Larry Fitzgerald in one on one coverage they're going to be in trouble. It seemed obvious to me during the end of 2009, and so far in the preseason this year that Beanie Wells is head and shoulders better than Tim Hightower. Wells is more explosive, shiftier, more powerful, has better burst, and has more long speed. Hightower should be nothing more than a 3rd down back with Wells on this team, and if the Cardinals want to start producing on offense they'll be using Wells sooner rather than later.I believe that the Cardinals will be a run first offense while relegating Leinart to game manager status when the regular season starts.

I agree with most all of this post. Everyone is making a big deal out of Leinart's performance...in a pre season game....with no game plan and the other team blitzing on just about every play? Really?Leinart looked fine against Tennessee during the regular season last year, and was an excellent leader in that one. He's going to be fine, and just being "Fine" will surprise a lot of people this year. The Cardinals will once again win the division.

 

[shader]

Matt Leinart is going to start the season, no doubt. They are going to give him his chance to be the man, with no pressure. As bad as he looked last night, there isn't anyone else back there lighting it up and pushing him.

I still think that Sage Rosenfels would be the ideal guy to get (if he gets cut). You could make him the backup and have a fall guy to go to if Leinart crashes and burns.

But 2010 is Leinart's opportunity and an average pre-season outing isn't going to change that.

 

[Banger]

The way I see it playing out is that teams are going to blitz Leinart early and often until he proves he can burn them (which I don't think he'll be able to do consistently). They are going to dare him and keep guys in the box to stuff the run until he can stretch the field and make the defense respect him. He's basically a rookie and teams will treat him like one until he proves otherwise. If he can only hit the short stuff like he did last night and not pick up a first down it doesn't matter if he was 0-20 or 20-20, a 3 and out is a 3 and out which is a win for the defense. I was thinking of going after Wells this year but I think they are going to have a real tough time running the ball and I don't think the defense is going to be any good to keep the games close. Also, Hightower's demise is vastly exaggerated...he's going to stick around and get catches and good bit of runs (he's still running with the 1's/not Beanie).

Larry Fitzgerald didn't play last night. Neither did Early Doucet. The Titans were bringing pressure and Leinart still managed to complete the short stuff. They were short of a first down by less than a yard on two of their series. I'm not sure what else people wanted to see when he only got to play three possessions without two of his top wideouts.If defenses want to blitz and keep 8 men in the box leaving Larry Fitzgerald in one on one coverage they're going to be in trouble.

It seemed obvious to me during the end of 2009, and so far in the preseason this year that Beanie Wells is head and shoulders better than Tim Hightower. Wells is more explosive, shiftier, more powerful, has better burst, and has more long speed. Hightower should be nothing more than a 3rd down back with Wells on this team, and if the Cardinals want to start producing on offense they'll be using Wells sooner rather than later.

I believe that the Cardinals will be a run first offense while relegating Leinart to game manager status when the regular season starts.

then why isn't he just the 3rd down back? Why is he practicing with 1's, playing with the 1's? which is the way it was last year as well. I think a lot of people are assuming something is going to happen and not watching what is actually happening.

 

[JohnnyU]

I agree with most all of this post. Everyone is making a big deal out of Leinart's performance...in a pre season game....with no game plan and the other team blitzing on just about every play? Really?

Actually, this thread was intended to be more about what was reported BEFORE this preseason game

 

[Clifford]

All this speculation on who they may pick up is fun but you guys have to come back to reality. They aren't going to add another QB a couple weeks before the season, it's the NFL not fantasy football. They will roll with the garbage they have and be terrible this season.

Exactly right. They have committed to Leinart to start the season, Anderson if they need to make a change. You don't trade for someone else's career backup two weeks before the start of the season, with no exposure to the system or the WRs, hoping to make him your savior. C'mon people, that's just nonsense.Leinart played one quarter. It seems to me if the coaches were fretting about all this they would have kept him in longer and given him more work. Yes, Leinart threw a bunch of short passes, but he was without both Fitz and Doucet who didn't play. He was 4 of 6 on the passes he did throw. People are talking in this thread as though he was 4-20, not 4-6.I'm not a Leinart fan, but jeez, some of you are bashing when there's nothing even there to talk about. One quarter, 4 of 6, two starting WRs out. Big deal.

I hear what you are saying, but I didn't see what you are saying. I saw a quarterback that frankly sucked. Will be interesting to see how the season goes.

I'm not entirely sure what "it" is, but I am entirely sure that Leinart doesn't have "it."

 

[Abraham]

I agree with most all of this post. Everyone is making a big deal out of Leinart's performance...in a pre season game....with no game plan and the other team blitzing on just about every play? Really?

Actually, this thread was intended to be more about what was reported BEFORE this preseason game

Exactly. This was reported before the game, and Leinart went out and played somewhere between "bad" and "adequate."

 

[Clifford]

That fact that he sounded like a whiny loser who didn't acknowledge any mistakes in his sideline interview didn't help either.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

The way I see it playing out is that teams are going to blitz Leinart early and often until he proves he can burn them (which I don't think he'll be able to do consistently). They are going to dare him and keep guys in the box to stuff the run until he can stretch the field and make the defense respect him. He's basically a rookie and teams will treat him like one until he proves otherwise. If he can only hit the short stuff like he did last night and not pick up a first down it doesn't matter if he was 0-20 or 20-20, a 3 and out is a 3 and out which is a win for the defense. I was thinking of going after Wells this year but I think they are going to have a real tough time running the ball and I don't think the defense is going to be any good to keep the games close. Also, Hightower's demise is vastly exaggerated...he's going to stick around and get catches and good bit of runs (he's still running with the 1's/not Beanie).

Larry Fitzgerald didn't play last night. Neither did Early Doucet. The Titans were bringing pressure and Leinart still managed to complete the short stuff. They were short of a first down by less than a yard on two of their series. I'm not sure what else people wanted to see when he only got to play three possessions without two of his top wideouts.If defenses want to blitz and keep 8 men in the box leaving Larry Fitzgerald in one on one coverage they're going to be in trouble. It seemed obvious to me during the end of 2009, and so far in the preseason this year that Beanie Wells is head and shoulders better than Tim Hightower. Wells is more explosive, shiftier, more powerful, has better burst, and has more long speed. Hightower should be nothing more than a 3rd down back with Wells on this team, and if the Cardinals want to start producing on offense they'll be using Wells sooner rather than later.I believe that the Cardinals will be a run first offense while relegating Leinart to game manager status when the regular season starts.

I agree with most all of this post. Everyone is making a big deal out of Leinart's performance...in a pre season game....with no game plan and the other team blitzing on just about every play? Really?Leinart looked fine against Tennessee during the regular season last year, and was an excellent leader in that one. He's going to be fine, and just being "Fine" will surprise a lot of people this year. The Cardinals will once again win the division.

The heat is on Leinart and he knows he's under the microscope. Thats why he wouldnt talk to the media last week, and thats why he was less than friendly this week. The Cards have been waiting for him to ratchet up his game and prep and really become a franchise QB for too long and Leinart is not responding well. Thats why everyone is making such a big deal about these lackluster performances, they mean more than typical preseason games, and Leinart knows it (he lost his job in 08 in the preseason...). Now it looks like the week 1 job could be on the line next week, and I certainly dont trust Leinart to all of the sudden rise to the occasion.Last year vs. Tenn Leinart looked like a solid backup QB. He made the first read throws when he had a good pocket, but he never really challenged the defense, and he only led one TD drive (other TD was LSH KO Return). Thats what he is, a competent backup QB. He is not a starter, not a leader, not a guy you want your team taking cues from.If he was going to be "fine", we would have seen signs a long time ago. I don't know how much more evidence that Leinart is just not a good QB people need before they stop making excuses for him.

 

[Card Trader]

The way I see it playing out is that teams are going to blitz Leinart early and often until he proves he can burn them (which I don't think he'll be able to do consistently). They are going to dare him and keep guys in the box to stuff the run until he can stretch the field and make the defense respect him. He's basically a rookie and teams will treat him like one until he proves otherwise. If he can only hit the short stuff like he did last night and not pick up a first down it doesn't matter if he was 0-20 or 20-20, a 3 and out is a 3 and out which is a win for the defense. I was thinking of going after Wells this year but I think they are going to have a real tough time running the ball and I don't think the defense is going to be any good to keep the games close. Also, Hightower's demise is vastly exaggerated...he's going to stick around and get catches and good bit of runs (he's still running with the 1's/not Beanie).

Larry Fitzgerald didn't play last night. Neither did Early Doucet. The Titans were bringing pressure and Leinart still managed to complete the short stuff. They were short of a first down by less than a yard on two of their series. I'm not sure what else people wanted to see when he only got to play three possessions without two of his top wideouts.If defenses want to blitz and keep 8 men in the box leaving Larry Fitzgerald in one on one coverage they're going to be in trouble.

It seemed obvious to me during the end of 2009, and so far in the preseason this year that Beanie Wells is head and shoulders better than Tim Hightower. Wells is more explosive, shiftier, more powerful, has better burst, and has more long speed. Hightower should be nothing more than a 3rd down back with Wells on this team, and if the Cardinals want to start producing on offense they'll be using Wells sooner rather than later.

I believe that the Cardinals will be a run first offense while relegating Leinart to game manager status when the regular season starts.

I agree with most all of this post. Everyone is making a big deal out of Leinart's performance...in a pre season game....with no game plan and the other team blitzing on just about every play? Really?Leinart looked fine against Tennessee during the regular season last year, and was an excellent leader in that one. He's going to be fine, and just being "Fine" will surprise a lot of people this year. The Cardinals will once again win the division.

The heat is on Leinart and he knows he's under the microscope. Thats why he wouldnt talk to the media last week, and thats why he was less than friendly this week. The Cards have been waiting for him to ratchet up his game and prep and really become a franchise QB for too long and Leinart is not responding well. Thats why everyone is making such a big deal about these lackluster performances, they mean more than typical preseason games, and Leinart knows it (he lost his job in 08 in the preseason...). Now it looks like the week 1 job could be on the line next week, and I certainly dont trust Leinart to all of the sudden rise to the occasion.

Last year vs. Tenn Leinart looked like a solid backup QB. He made the first read throws when he had a good pocket, but he never really challenged the defense, and he only led one TD drive (other TD was LSH KO Return). Thats what he is, a competent backup QB. He is not a starter, not a leader, not a guy you want your team taking cues from.



If he was going to be "fine", we would have seen signs a long time ago.

I don't know how much more evidence that Leinart is just not a good QB people need before they stop making excuses for him.

Let me know when you start watching him some, clearly you are watching the ESPN highlights and forming judgement from that. As a person who's followed him closely from his very first camp I think he has what it takes, has shown at times what he's capable of, but had the misfortune of playing behind an all-time great.The man has had 17 starts in the NFL, and every time he's had to feel like he had to be perfect to keep his job because Warner was back there. THat's a lot of pressure to put on a young player who was learning the NFL, now it's his job and I think he is going to stun people. Not in a preseason game where gameplans are non existent and defenses generally dominate. He's screwed his head on straighter the past few years and become a dedicated part of the team, his teammates acknowledge this and support him.

I'll be happy to bump this thread come week 10 or so and Leinart has looked better than "average".

 

[sho nuff]

When did Card Trader become LHUCKS?

 

[[icon]]

Let me know when you start watching him some, clearly you are watching the ESPN highlights and forming judgement from that. As a person who's followed him closely from his very first camp I think he has what it takes, has shown at times what he's capable of, but had the misfortune of playing behind an all-time great.The man has had 17 starts in the NFL, and every time he's had to feel like he had to be perfect to keep his job because Warner was back there. THat's a lot of pressure to put on a young player who was learning the NFL, now it's his job and I think he is going to stun people. Not in a preseason game where gameplans are non existent and defenses generally dominate. He's screwed his head on straighter the past few years and become a dedicated part of the team, his teammates acknowledge this and support him. I'll be happy to bump this thread come week 10 or so and Leinart has looked better than "average".

Are we talking about the same guy? The Matt Leinart I know has a career passer rating of 70 and a TD/INT rate of 14/20.

 

[Card Trader]

Let me know when you start watching him some, clearly you are watching the ESPN highlights and forming judgement from that. As a person who's followed him closely from his very first camp I think he has what it takes, has shown at times what he's capable of, but had the misfortune of playing behind an all-time great.The man has had 17 starts in the NFL, and every time he's had to feel like he had to be perfect to keep his job because Warner was back there. THat's a lot of pressure to put on a young player who was learning the NFL, now it's his job and I think he is going to stun people. Not in a preseason game where gameplans are non existent and defenses generally dominate. He's screwed his head on straighter the past few years and become a dedicated part of the team, his teammates acknowledge this and support him. I'll be happy to bump this thread come week 10 or so and Leinart has looked better than "average".

Are we talking about the same guy? The Matt Leinart I know has a career passer rating of 70 and a TD/INT rate of 14/20.

Yep same dude, in basically 1 season's worth of starts. Hey, I'm not going anywhere, I'll come back and face the music if I'm wrong...but I don't think I'll be. I just hope you guys stick around when I'm proven right!

 

[Card Trader]

When did Card Trader become LHUCKS?

I only like 1 team, I don't root for the NFC West.

 

[[icon]]

Yep same dude, in basically 1 season's worth of starts. Hey, I'm not going anywhere, I'll come back and face the music if I'm wrong...but I don't think I'll be. I just hope you guys stick around when I'm proven right!

As a Fitz owner (WR2) in my $250 league I certainly hope you ARE right. Having watched that game last night though I will admit I got a little sick to my stomach.

 

[Federal]

I know most of you have swallowed the shefter/espn story lines, but Anderson is not pushing Leinart. That's not reflective of Leinart, he has been very inconsistent, Anderson is just bad.

Leinart will start week one. The only way Anderson sees action beyond that is if the team is severely struggling (distinct possibility), or injury.

We just don't have enough to go on with Leinart. I was very impressed with his presence and command his rookie year (for a 1st year guy). Denny Green let him go back there and fling the ball around. Whiz came in and imposed a massive dose of structure. Leinart didn't react well and looked lost. 3 years later (watching a future HOFer) we have a very small sample size to judge him from. I am not a Leinart fan...yet, but I don't hate the guy either, I just don't know enough about him as a starting QB in the NFL.

In his few starts he has never thrown for 300 yards ( a 299 and a 405 yard game), never thrown more than 2 TD's in a game, and never thrown more than 2 int's. I have seen him melt down in preseason, and i have seen him light it up when the games don't count. The point is we know very little at this juncture, last night gave us next to nothing to judge him (outside of body language and media relations).

 

[JohnnyU]

Leinart sure didn't sound like a confident QB during that interview. He sounded like someone already beaten before the season starts.

 

[Banger]

Leinart sure didn't sound like a confident QB during that interview. He sounded like someone already beaten before the season starts.

The problem for the Cards and fantasy owners is that Anderson is as bad/worse.

 

[Federal]

Leinart sure didn't sound like a confident QB during that interview. He sounded like someone already beaten before the season starts.

He is obviously frustrated by the criticism, and is not coming off well in my opinion. You can tell he is itching for some extended action with all his weapons.

 

[cr8f]

The Cards starter is probably on another team right now. The Vikings and Jets come to mind. I want to see more of Skelton.

 

[JohnnyU]

Leinart sure didn't sound like a confident QB during that interview. He sounded like someone already beaten before the season starts.

The problem for the Cards and fantasy owners is that Anderson is as bad/worse.

I won't argue with that.

 

[Federal]

The Cards starter is probably on another team right now. The Vikings and Jets come to mind. I want to see more of Skelton.

The Cards starter is on the current roster, his name is Matt Leinart. Skelton is a long term project that has the tools but wont contribute for years.

 

[JB Breakfast Club]

I am still waiting for Leinart to pull an Inigo Montoya and reveal that he is actually right handed.

 

[Blutarsky]

Well I confess that I expected Lienart to surprise this season but after last night night's performance I am surprised he is still in the discussion about the starting role.

The dude learned nothing from sitting behind Warner and I have seen teenage girls throw the ball with more velocity. Added to the fact that the OLine appears to be a train wreck.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Leinart sure didn't sound like a confident QB during that interview. He sounded like someone already beaten before the season starts.

He is obviously frustrated by the criticism, and is not coming off well in my opinion. You can tell he is itching for some extended action with all his weapons.

What's that, 8 more hours in a hot tub with college girls?

 

[Federal]

Leinart sure didn't sound like a confident QB during that interview. He sounded like someone already beaten before the season starts.

He is obviously frustrated by the criticism, and is not coming off well in my opinion. You can tell he is itching for some extended action with all his weapons.

What's that, 8 more hours in a hot tub with college girls?

Yep, this is how people/national media (mistakenly) still perceive him; hollywood, usc boy who pals around with paris hilton and beer bongs with coeds in his hot tub. combined with his slow development on the field, it's pretty easy to root against the guy.

 

[Clifford]

I keep hearing that Skelton is a long-term project without any detail as to what part of his game is behind the curve. Can you provide any insight to that, since you seem to follow the cards closely. He didn't seem all that far behind when he played.

Also this Leinart discussion is obviously going nowhere.

 

[JohnnyU]

I keep hearing that Skelton is a long-term project without any detail as to what part of his game is behind the curve. Can you provide any insight to that, since you seem to follow the cards closely. He didn't seem all that far behind when he played.

Also this Leinart discussion is obviously going nowhere.

I read he was very inaccurate in camp.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Leinart sure didn't sound like a confident QB during that interview. He sounded like someone already beaten before the season starts.

He is obviously frustrated by the criticism, and is not coming off well in my opinion. You can tell he is itching for some extended action with all his weapons.

What's that, 8 more hours in a hot tub with college girls?

Yep, this is how people/national media (mistakenly) still perceive him; hollywood, usc boy who pals around with paris hilton and beer bongs with coeds in his hot tub. combined with his slow development on the field, it's pretty easy to root against the guy.

Eh, I don't think everyone roots against the guy. But when you see a guy like that, enjoying his stardom yet not making strides on the field, it's easy to understand why and predict that he will never amount to much. The NFL is hard work, man. Even if you're talented.

 

[Clifford]

and he's not

 

[Northbound Train]

Got to be among the least surprising FF/NFL developments I've ever read about.

Sure...but you've got an all world WR that this greatly impacts. Not that D.A fares much better in Fitz' stats but man I am staying away from Fitz unless he really, really drops....I'd consider passing on him at 18 if Marshall, Austin and/or Austin are on the board.

Steve?

I read that and thought what idiot posted that

Meant White

 

[Federal]

I keep hearing that Skelton is a long-term project without any detail as to what part of his game is behind the curve. Can you provide any insight to that, since you seem to follow the cards closely. He didn't seem all that far behind when he played.

Also this Leinart discussion is obviously going nowhere.

Reports are Skelton is just raw in terms of his knowledge, technique, and delivery (especially compared to the uniquely polished undrafted rookie Max Hall). Skelton played mainly in a shotgun system, and faces a steep learning curve after
(Patriot league). QB Coach Chris Miller has given him praise (and seems thrilled with the potential), but has talked about the huge leap in competition and how doing something as simple as taking snaps from under center and working on drops are very new to him. Miller has mentioned he might be ready by 2011, seems optimistic to me. I am by no means a professional talent evaluator, but at camp he seemed to be competing with DA's fastball (big time gun), but had little touch or timing. I keep hearing how smart he is, but during my time in Flagstaff I saw an indecisive kid not sure where to go with the ball (threw 2 consecutive picks during my first practice up there), and this jived with what I had been reading to date. Fast fwd to the preseason opener and we all saw something completely different. Poised, decisive, accurate...when considering my low expectations, I was very impressed. Maybe he is a "gamer" but it's gonna be hard to get on the field with Whiz calling the shots until he shows some level of mastery on the practice field. My opinion, for what it is worth, he can definitely play in the NFL, and probably start...just not for a while.

 

[Federal]

Posted by Darren Urban on August 24, 2010 – 12:11 pm

– In terms of the quarterback situation, Whisenhunt noted a couple of times about the new faces in new places on offense — the reserve receivers playing, the offensive linemen in new spots. “We have been able to operate with the same guys the last three years where they learned a lot,” Whisenhunt said. “There will be a growth process.”

– In terms of Matt Leinart specifically, “It’s not just the quarterback,” Whisenhunt said. “I wish Matt had thrown the ball better on the post, I wish he would have thrown the ball better to Stephen. But once again, the blame is not all on the quarterbacks. A lot has to do how the line played, the way we didn’t do some things that we should have done that would have made his job easier. That’s the thing you have to be careful about, making a quick judgment on the quarterback when we haven’t been as successful as we would have liked to have been.”

I am still not convinced, regardless of what happened, that Derek Anderson has been able to pick up enough ground on Leinart to surpass him on the depth chart. Anderson is still new in the system and Leinart knows what he is supposed to do. Leinart still needs to show he can execute, but this staff — going back to Leinart’s struggles as a starter in 2007 — isn’t comfortable with guys who don’t know the system.

 

[billyjohnson]

Not sure I understand all this "it's only preseason" talk. Bottom line.....and we all know it......Leinart stinks. And it's not like he's a rookie--he's stunk it up in the regular season as well. You simply can't hide that weak arm at this level. Nor can u hide the fact that his teammates are not buying in. No way leinart holds on to the starting job all year. No way.

 

[Federal]

Not sure I understand all this "it's only preseason" talk. Bottom line.....and we all know it......Leinart stinks. And it's not like he's a rookie--he's stunk it up in the regular season as well. You simply can't hide that weak arm at this level. Nor can u hide the fact that his teammates are not buying in. No way leinart holds on to the starting job all year. No way.

I'm wondering where you get this info? I'm not saying it's not out there, I've just missed it??? I can see how that may be a perception, but thats different than fact. The noodle arm is a reality though!

 

[Day Drinker]

The way I see it playing out is that teams are going to blitz Leinart early and often until he proves he can burn them (which I don't think he'll be able to do consistently). They are going to dare him and keep guys in the box to stuff the run until he can stretch the field and make the defense respect him. He's basically a rookie and teams will treat him like one until he proves otherwise. If he can only hit the short stuff like he did last night and not pick up a first down it doesn't matter if he was 0-20 or 20-20, a 3 and out is a 3 and out which is a win for the defense. I was thinking of going after Wells this year but I think they are going to have a real tough time running the ball and I don't think the defense is going to be any good to keep the games close. Also, Hightower's demise is vastly exaggerated...he's going to stick around and get catches and good bit of runs (he's still running with the 1's/not Beanie).

Larry Fitzgerald didn't play last night. Neither did Early Doucet. The Titans were bringing pressure and Leinart still managed to complete the short stuff. They were short of a first down by less than a yard on two of their series. I'm not sure what else people wanted to see when he only got to play three possessions without two of his top wideouts.If defenses want to blitz and keep 8 men in the box leaving Larry Fitzgerald in one on one coverage they're going to be in trouble.

It seemed obvious to me during the end of 2009, and so far in the preseason this year that Beanie Wells is head and shoulders better than Tim Hightower. Wells is more explosive, shiftier, more powerful, has better burst, and has more long speed. Hightower should be nothing more than a 3rd down back with Wells on this team, and if the Cardinals want to start producing on offense they'll be using Wells sooner rather than later.

I believe that the Cardinals will be a run first offense while relegating Leinart to game manager status when the regular season starts.

I agree with most all of this post. Everyone is making a big deal out of Leinart's performance...in a pre season game....with no game plan and the other team blitzing on just about every play? Really?Leinart looked fine against Tennessee during the regular season last year, and was an excellent leader in that one. He's going to be fine, and just being "Fine" will surprise a lot of people this year. The Cardinals will once again win the division.

The heat is on Leinart and he knows he's under the microscope. Thats why he wouldnt talk to the media last week, and thats why he was less than friendly this week. The Cards have been waiting for him to ratchet up his game and prep and really become a franchise QB for too long and Leinart is not responding well. Thats why everyone is making such a big deal about these lackluster performances, they mean more than typical preseason games, and Leinart knows it (he lost his job in 08 in the preseason...). Now it looks like the week 1 job could be on the line next week, and I certainly dont trust Leinart to all of the sudden rise to the occasion.

Last year vs. Tenn Leinart looked like a solid backup QB. He made the first read throws when he had a good pocket, but he never really challenged the defense, and he only led one TD drive (other TD was LSH KO Return). Thats what he is, a competent backup QB. He is not a starter, not a leader, not a guy you want your team taking cues from.



If he was going to be "fine", we would have seen signs a long time ago.

I don't know how much more evidence that Leinart is just not a good QB people need before they stop making excuses for him.

Let me know when you start watching him some, clearly you are watching the ESPN highlights and forming judgement from that. As a person who's followed him closely from his very first camp I think he has what it takes, has shown at times what he's capable of, but had the misfortune of playing behind an all-time great.The man has had 17 starts in the NFL, and every time he's had to feel like he had to be perfect to keep his job because Warner was back there. THat's a lot of pressure to put on a young player who was learning the NFL, now it's his job and I think he is going to stun people. Not in a preseason game where gameplans are non existent and defenses generally dominate. He's screwed his head on straighter the past few years and become a dedicated part of the team, his teammates acknowledge this and support him.

I'll be happy to bump this thread come week 10 or so and Leinart has looked better than "average".

This just sounds like more excuses to me.

I am a HUGE Cards fan and I hope you are right, but if what you've seen from Leinart in the past leads you to believe he "has what it takes", then I have to seriously question your ability to evaluate a QB. Not only does he lack the "it" factor, but IMO he simply doesn't have the arm strength to be a quality starter in the NFL. If Kurt Warner started against that pathetic beat down Tennessee secondary last year, the Cardinals would have won by 3 TDs.

That being said, I hope Leinart gets pissed off, quits whining, and uses that noodley Pennington like arm to lead our beloved Birds to a 9-7 season and a playoff run. F the Niners, Alex Smith sucks just as bad.

I think Max Hall will be the QB of our future. From all the reports, he seems to have the "it" factor and does nothing but move the chains. I really hope we don't try to sneak him through waivers to the PS, cuz he will get nabbed.

 

[Federal]

Healthy perspective on Matt Leinart

By Mike Sando

"Could you shed some light on the Cardinals' approach to limiting Leinart's preseason work?" he asked.

Yes. I asked coach Ken Whisenhunt about this issue early in training camp and he surprisingly said there would be no extra effort made to get reps for Leinart. To the contrary, Whisenhunt was reasonably comfortable with what Leinart could do. Getting work for Anderson, who was new to the system, would be a higher priority than carving out extra time for Leinart.

That told me Whisenhunt felt good enough about Leinart to go into the season with Leinart as his starter, even if the offense played the way it played in past preseasons with Kurt Warner under center -- not very well.

Yes, it's more important for Leinart to look good during these preseason games because he's less established than Warner. It's also fair to wonder to what degree Leinart's performances might be affecting Whisenhunt's view of him. My sense early in camp was that Whisenhunt felt better about Leinart than he was letting on -- the last thing he wanted to see was Leinart getting complacent. Whisenhunt has handled other players similarly, so there's nothing out of the ordinary there.

 

[delusional]

Vick to Cards?

 

[kutta]

Not sure I understand all this "it's only preseason" talk. Bottom line.....and we all know it......Leinart stinks. And it's not like he's a rookie--he's stunk it up in the regular season as well. You simply can't hide that weak arm at this level. Nor can u hide the fact that his teammates are not buying in. No way leinart holds on to the starting job all year. No way.

I'm wondering where you get this info? I'm not saying it's not out there, I've just missed it??? I can see how that may be a perception, but thats different than fact. The noodle arm is a reality though!

I heard Early Doucet on the radio a couple weeks ago, and when asked who he thought should be the starter at QB, he said he didn't care. He said he thought both Leinart and Anderson could do the job. If everyone was really buying into Leinart as the starter, he should have said that it's Matt's job and he's the starter and he's our guy.This is just one anecdotal incident, but after listening to lots of player interviews, I also get the sense that the players are not behind him like they were Kurt.

 

[LHUCKS]

Listening to a beatwriter last night who basically said Warner is the Start for the forseeable future, Cards coaching staff is not as concerned as the public....more concerned about the OL's perfomance.

Just passing the info along.

 

[Abrantes]

Listening to a beatwriter last night who basically said Warner is the Start for the forseeable future, Cards coaching staff is not as concerned as the public....more concerned about the OL's perfomance.

Just passing the info along.

Go on.